CAMP NOTEBOOK: Indoor workout, defensive help, and checking the polls

Aug 08, 2013

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- Heavy rains Thursday morning forced the
Tennessee Tech football team to move to its indoor practice
facility for the first workout of its two-a-day sessions.
Meanwhile, the defensive line may be strenghened by the presence of
a promising true freshman, and the Golden Eagles have received
votes in the FCS Coaches Preseason Poll, announced this week.

Coach Watson Brown and his staff adjusted their practice schedule
Thursday, as the team moved to the Athletic Performance Center on
campus for Thursday morning's practice. Rain is in the forecast for
the next several days, so more practices may be affected.
Thursday's workout was scheduled for shorts, while the team returns
to full pads Thursday afternoon.

A CINCINNATI ADDITION

On Wednesday, during the team's first session in full pads, true
freshman Kevin Robinson-White began to emerge as a
promising addition to the defensive line. He's among the young
up-and-coming players who will add depth to the returning
players.

After one day in pads, defensive line coach Sam Williamson
is pleased with the groups prospects.(Scroll to the bottom to view a video interview with coach
Williamson)

"You can tell we've got some talent in the group," Williamson
said. "We've got some really good older guys like Jordan
Johnson, Malcolm
Mitchell and Lamar Moore, and
we've got some really good younger guys. Kevin Robinson-White from
Cincinnati is going to be special. It's too early to tell how well
all these guys will mesh together, but we've got some talent."

Robinson-White (left) was a starting tackle at Moeller High
School in Cincinnati, and also lettered on the track and field team
in shot put. He helped the team win the Greater Cincinnati League
championship and district crown, and finish runnerup in region.
Robinson-White was named first-team GCL and second-team All-South
West after making 48 tackles including 4.5 tackles-for-loss as a
senior. A solid tackler, he also forced five fumbles.

UNRANKED, BUT GETTING NOTICED

The Golden Eagles have not cracked the Top 25 poll....yet. They
are listed among the "others receiving votes" by the nationwide
panel of voting coaches in the FCS Preseason Coaches Poll.

In addition, eight of Tech's 12 opponents for 2013 are either
ranked in the Top 25 polls or receiving votes. Seven of Tech's 10
FCS
opponents are in the poll, either ranked or receiving votes, while
Wisconsin is No, 23 in the FBS preseason poll. OVC foes in the list
include Eastern Kentucky (No. 19), Eastern Illinois (No. 23),
Tennessee State (52 points), Jacksonville State (11 points) and UT
Martin (4 points).

Both FCS non-conference opponents are also receiving votes with
Indiana State (27 points) close to the Top 25. Hampton is just
behind Tech with three points.

For the second straight season, the North Dakota State Bison will
start the season as the No. 1 ranked team.

The Bison are coming off back-to-back FCS National Championships
in 2011 and 2012, going 28-2 over that stretch with victories over
FBS schools Minnesota and Colorado State. North Dakota State
defeated Sam Houston State 39-13 in the FCS National Championship
to cap a 14-1 campaign in 2012, the second consecutive season in
which the two teams met in the title game. The Bison will return 18
starters, including All-American selections Billy Turner at tackle
and Marcus Williams at cornerback. The Bison also bring back
starting quarterback and 2012 FCS National Championship MVP Brock
Jensen who threw for 2,331 yards and 17 touchdowns last season.

NDSU received 23 of 26 first place votes to earn the top spot in
the opening poll of the 2013 campaign. Montana State earned the No.
2 preseason ranking and received one first-place vote after
finishing 11-2 in 2012. Fellow Big Sky member Eastern Washington is
third in the poll, followed by Sam Houston State. Sam Houston State
earned a first place vote, as did Eastern Kentucky, which sits at
No. 19 in the poll.

Wofford holds down the No. 5 spot, while Central Arkansas, South
Dakota State, New Hampshire, Villanova and Illinois State round out
the top 10.

The FCS Coaches Poll is based exclusively on a voting panel of
head coaches in the FCS under the cooperation of the Collegiate
Commissioners Association (CCA) and the American Football Coaches
Association (AFCA) and is administered by the Southern
Conference.
Preseason 2012 FCS Coaches Preseason Poll
(August 6, 2013)

Fans are reminded about the first-ever Women's Clinic, set for
10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17, just prior to the annual Gathering
of Eagles picnic and scrimmage. The event is free, but limited to
the first 100 women who call an register (931-372-3940).
Coach Watson Brown will talk briefly about football and the Golden
Eagles, and answer questions from participants.

Each participant will receive a free t-shirt.

TICKETS SELLING WELL

Season tickets are on sale, with several options available. To
order tickets or for more information, please visit or call the
Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center
(931-372-3940).